UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley Targets July Return

The UFC has went ahead and created an interim welterweight title, as Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington will meet this summer for that belt.

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Meanwhile, reigning UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley works towards a return to action himself after surgery. Woodley scored a decision victory this past July over Demian Maia, successfully defending his title.

The former University of Missouri wrestling standout is unbeaten over his last six fights, going 5-0-1. He claimed the title in 2016 with a first round knockout of Robbie Lawler, fighting Stephen Thompson to a draw later that year.

In the rematch with Thompson, Woodley (18-3-1) earned a majority decision.

With all the talk of the division centering around others, Woodley took to social media to make sure everyone knows he is still present.

“Just because I’m silent don’t meant I’m not on my savage shit,” he wrote. “Lots of tricks up my sleeve. Looking for a July return and some surprising new projects on the horizon.”

Along with work on FOX Sports, Woodley has also started doing stand-up comedy. He appeared on an episode of “The Night Shift” last year and has also filmed roles in such films as “Escape Plans 2: Hades” and “Straight Outta Compton.”